Glenallachie 23 Years Old 1996 Cask #5252 (Signatory)

Signatory Vintage bottled this GlenAllachie, a 23 year old, distilled in 1996, from cask 5252, at 54.6%, one of 201 bottles. GlenAllachie is a Speyside single malt, founded in 1967 below Ben Rinnes near Aberlour. Its stills were doubled from two to four within months of opening, the lyne arms angled down for a fuller spirit. It was built by Mackinlay McPherson, the firm that supplied whisky to Shackleton's 1907 expedition. It was built for the 1960s blend boom, its make long destined for the blender's vat.

It was taken gently through wash and spirit stills, shaping a rich Speyside body with real weight. Maturation came in ex-Bourbon wood, the oak gentle behind the spirit. Through the evaporative decades the esters fold into raisin, fig, beeswax and a bittersweet chocolate. Vanillin and oak lactones from the wood lend vanilla and a soft coconut over the fruit.

Bottled at a cask strength 54.6%, it is deep and concentrated. A deep, dark sweetness, with a warm oak spice. Beneath it run dried fruit, dark sugar and a warm spice. It finishes long, full and fruity. This is a full bodied Speyside single malt of real richness.